‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’ 1 Corinthians ch9 v24 The apostle Paul writing regarding aspects of the Christian life often used the illustration of an athletics race. What simple and effective teaching there is in it!
Writing to the Philippians he says concerning himself ‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ Philippians ch3 v13 & 14
The one who wins the race is focused on winning, they take off any unnecessary clothing, they leave their bags in the changing room, they don’t carry anything that will slow them down. The finishing line is what they look for, they don’t look back but strive to be the 1st to reach it, winning the prize is what drives them forwards.
For the Christian in their ‘race’ there is a prize, but the prize is not just for one person but for ‘many’. Hebrews ch9 v28 They are to look, strive, press, endeavour, wrestle, search - by the grace of God - but not to the harm of those ‘running’ with them. They are to help one another, care for one another, love one another. Satan and sin will try and hinder but ‘looking unto Jesus’ is where their strength and hope is. ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors though him that loved us.’ Romans ch8 v37
Paul in his letter to the Hebrews says ‘…. let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ Hebrews ch12 v1 & 2 With Gods help they lay aside the unnecessary things, and sin that clings to them, so they can ‘run with patience’ the race before them however long or short it may be. ‘…that I may win Christ, And be found in him,….’ Philippians ch3 v8 & 9